Oceanview Obstructed

The Obstructed Oceanview stateroom is approximately 158 to 179 square feet and features the same fine amenities as the Oceanview stateroom, but the view from the picture window is either fully or partially obstructed. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Obstructed Oceanview stateroom:

Picture window (fully or partially obstructed)

Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

Daily housekeeping service

Nightly turn-down service

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Oceanview Stateroom

The Oceanview stateroom is approximately 179 square feet and features a picture window for memorable views. The Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Oceanview stateroom:

Picture window

Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

Daily housekeeping service

Nightly turn-down service

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Balcony Stateroom

The spacious approximately 231-square-foot Balcony stateroom is appointed with fine amenities and outstanding views from an approximately 45-square-foot private balcony. Some staterooms also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Balcony stateroom:

Balcony with patio furniture

Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Premium Balcony Stateroom

The spacious 240 to 298-square-foot Premium Balcony stateroom is appointed with the same fine amenities as the Balcony stateroom but also features a large balcony of 54 to 109 square feet. Select Premium Balcony staterooms have a rear-facing balcony from which to enjoy dramatic wake views. Some staterooms also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

These features and fine amenities are standard in the Premium Balcony stateroom:

Balcony with patio furniture

Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed*

Private bathroom with shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Mini-Suite With Balcony

The luxurious Mini-Suite offers approximately 323 square feet of comfort and a separate seating area with a sofa bed for lounging or sleeping a third passenger. The spacious balcony is approximately 57 square feet and the bathroom offers a combination tub and shower. Some Mini-Suites also have a pullman bed to accommodate a 4th passenger.

These features and fine amenities are standard in a Mini-Suite stateroom:

Welcome glass of champagne

Separate seating area with a sofabed

Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed*

Private bathroom with combination tub and shower

Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion

100% Egyptian cotton linens

Balcony with patio furniture

Two flat-panel televsions

Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Daily housekeeping service

Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow

*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.

Suite with Window

Caribbean Princess Window Suites feature all of the same great amenities of Princess Cruises regular Suites, but include window views in lieu of a balcony in this expansive 319 to 341-square-foot stateroom. Suites feature a separate seating area with a sofabed, walk-in closet, full bathroom and deluxe amenities.

Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony

Available on Caribbean Princess from 06 Apr 2017. Club Class Mini-Suites feature the same great amenities as the standard Mini-Suites, but with exclusive VIP touches. This includes the delicious temptation of exclusive Club Class Dining privileges, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and the new Princess Luxury Bed, designed by leading experts in both the science and beauty of sleep.

Upgraded Amenities & Services

Exclusive Club Class Dining for dinner each night, plus breakfast and lunch on sea days

The Princess Luxury Bed

Priority Embarkation & Disembarkation at the beginning and end of your cruise

Full access to the Priority Disembarkation Lounge

Complimentary one time wine set-up on embarkation day, 1/2 bottle of red and 1/2 bottle of white

Complimentary Premium Evening Canapés (upon request)

Upgraded Terry Shawl Bathrobes

Plus the Standard Mini-suite Benefits

Stateroom

Spacious staterooms up to 323 square feet with balcony

Upgraded balcony with patio furniture (table and two chairs)

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors

Separate seating area with coffee table and a sofa bed

Bathroom

Private bathroom with combination tub and shower

Massage shower head

Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion

100% Egyptian Cotton Terry Towels

Food & Beverage

Welcome glass of champagne

Fruit Basket (upon request)

Refrigerator

Services

Twice daily housekeeping service

Evening bed turn-down with chocolates on your pillow

Accessories

Two 42” flat-panel satellite televisions

Hair Dryer

Phone & Desk

Tote Bag

Digital Security Safe

110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings

Suite with Balcony

Premium accommodations and luxurious appointments are the signature of Princess Cruises expansive 440 to 682 square feet Suites. Your Suite includes a spacious cabin and large 83-338 square foot balcony, with exclusive Suite-only benefits plus the incredible perks of Club Class. Suites feature a separate seating area with a sofabed, walk-in closet, full bathroom and deluxe amenities.

Your deluxe Suite features:

The Princess Luxury Bed

Separate sitting area & coffee table

Sofa bed

Balcony with upgraded patio furniture (two comfortable loungers, a table and two chairs)

Upgraded room service menu with full breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings

Special touches:

Upgraded turn down service

Complimentary fresh orchids

Complimentary premium stationery and pens

** Suites on ships with Video On Demand will not offer DVD/CD players and access to DVD library
†† Available on cruises 6 days or longer

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IF

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IE

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category ID

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IC

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IB

Multiple Decks

Interior Stateroom - Category IA

Multiple Decks

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OZ

Emerald Deck 8

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OY

Emerald Deck 8

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OW

Emerald Deck 8

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OV

Multiple Decks

Oceanview Stateroom - Category OF

Riviera Deck 14

Oceanview Stateroom - Category OE

Plaza Deck 5

Oceanview Stateroom - Category OC

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BF

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BE

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BD

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BC

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BB

Multiple Decks

Balcony Stateroom - Category BA

Caribe Deck 10

Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B2

Multiple Decks

Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B4

Caribe Deck 10

Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B1

Multiple Decks

Mini Suite with Balcony - Category ME

Dolphin Deck 9

Mini Suite with Balcony - Category MD

Dolphin Deck 9

Mini Suite with Balcony - Category MB

Fiesta Deck 6

Window Suite (no balcony) - Category S7

Dolphin Deck 9

Club Class Mini-Suite - Category M1

Lido Deck 15

Premium Suite - Category S5

Riviera Deck 14

Penthouse Suite - Category S4

Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated),
and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses).
Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies.
Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer.
Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.

Itinerary

Day 1

Fort Lauderdale
Depart: Sat, May 9, 2020 @ 16:00

Day 2

At Sea

Sun, May 10, 2020

Day 3

George Town

Arrive: Mon, May 11, 2020 @ 07:00

Depart: Mon, May 11, 2020 @ 16:00

Day 4

Roatan Island

Arrive: Tue, May 12, 2020 @ 10:00

Depart: Tue, May 12, 2020 @ 18:00

Day 5

Belize City

Arrive: Wed, May 13, 2020 @ 07:00

Depart: Wed, May 13, 2020 @ 18:00

Day 6

Cozumel

Arrive: Thu, May 14, 2020 @ 09:00

Depart: Thu, May 14, 2020 @ 22:00

Day 7

At Sea

Fri, May 15, 2020

Day 8

Fort Lauderdale
Arrive: Sat, May 16, 2020 @ 07:00

Onboard experience

Fresh And Flexible, Dine Any Time: Just like a restaurant at home, Anytime Dining enables guests the freedom to dine when and with whom they wish, at any time between 5:30 PM and 10 PM. Reservations are available through an onboard dining hotline, but not required, and diners may choose to eat only with their own group, or be seated with other guests. The choice is yours.

Traditional Dining

Indulge In The Classic Cruise Experience: Harkening back to the Golden Era of sea travel, our Traditional Dining option allows you to dine at the same time each day and enjoy the same tablemates and waitstaff throughout your voyage. Choose from either early or late seating.

World Fresh Marketplace

Taste The World One Station At A Time: The World Fresh Marketplace boasts food stations from around the world that offer endless variety, regional favorites and customizable options for every palate. The new “East Meets West” street food specialty counter features comfort foods like French crepes, Asian noodles, German grilled sausages and Japanese satays to name just a few! The Bakery serves made-from-scratch Western, European and Asian breads and pastries.

Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.

Slice Pizzeria

The top-deck pizzeria features a bold new look that sets the stage for tempting offerings that include specialties inspired by local favorites from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Try a Deep Dish Focaccia or a slice of our award-winning signature Neapolitan-style classics. Savor some California Artisanal Toast with Cali-Avocado or Caprese toppings. Or go for a Sliced Stromboli, and enjoy an East Coast take on a classic Italian calzone that’s stuffed with delicious Italian deli meats and cheeses.

Coffee & Cones

Complimentary ice cream cones await you!. Pick up a chocolate cone, a vanilla, or a combination. Treat yourself to an ice cream sandwich, with a tempting choice of flavors such as The Classic, Cookie Colada, Snickerdoodle, Honey ‘N’ Oats and Mint Paddy. Specialty New Grounds Crafted Coffee is available too. Including Espresso and Cappuccino, Latte, Chai Tea and more.

Steamers Seafood

At lunchtime, help yourself to a buffet that includes Gourmet and Ramen Bowls with regionally inspired broths. And join us for breakfast, also at no charge, for specialty egg dishes like omelets, fried eggs and eggs Benedict. Charges apply at Dinner in Steamers Seafood

Planks BBQ

Planks BBQ also serves a buffet-style lunch at no charge, with signature soup and freshly tossed salad, as well as regionally inspired fork-and-knife sandwiches. Buffet-style breakfasts, also at no charge, include savory breakfast bowls customized for you. Charges apply at Dinner

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

Treasured family recipes curated from our Italian chefs inspire the menu at this specialty restaurant. You are welcomed into a modern interior with a rustic flavor. Unique, handmade pasta courses, prepared fresh daily, invite you to experience the culinary magic of Chef Angelo Auriana - executive chef of renowned Los Angeles restaurants The Factory Kitchen and officine BRERA—who delights in sharing the Northern Italian flavors of his hometown, Bergamo.. Additional charge applies.

Crown Grill

Timeless Steakhouse Traditions:With a rich wood décor and a theater-style kitchen, it’s no wonder Crown Grill was named among the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses” by USA TODAY. Featuring premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, this specialty restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a classically elegant setting and an open kitchen where chefs prepare and cook to order top-quality cuts of beef, chops and seafood.Additional charge applies.

Steamers Seafood

This family-style seafood restaurant offers dinner served by wait staff for a nominal fee. Choose from Black & Blue Mussels or Classic Clams “Steamers” and other seafood favorites. All come with generous sides and dipping sauces as well as starters and dessert. Additional charge applies.

Planks BBQ

Drop by for a classic American-style dinner, served by wait staff for a nominal fee. Our casual BBQ restaurant gives you a choice of "Planks" loaded with four meats, chili, coleslaw and seasoned fries along with starters and decadent dessert. Additional charge applies.

Ultimate Balcony Dining

Choose a luxurious breakfast or experience the “ultimate” romantic dinner at sea: a sumptuous multi-course meal, including succulent lobster tail and juicy steak, your beverage of choice, hors d’oeuvres, all served right on the privacy of your own balcony by our dedicated waitstaff. Treat yourself to this unparalleled indulgence and savor food, views and memories that will never be forgotten.Additional charges apply.

24-hr Room Service

Princess offer 24-hour complimentary room service when you want to enjoy a quiet moment in your cabin eating a delicious club sandwich or maybe that slice of chocolate fudge cake you can’t forget. Treat yourself to breakfast in bed, or stay in for an intimate dinner, and perhaps even cocktails, in the comfort of your stateroom. 24-hour room service is just a phone call away. Charges apply on select menu items.

Churchill Lounge

Club Fusion

Explorers Lounge

The Mix

Wheelhouse Bar

Norman Love

Discovery at Sea

Kids & Teens

Kids & Teens

Kids & Teens

Mini Golf

Neptunes Pool

The Sanctuary

Bars and Lounges

There’s a bar or lounge for just about every mood, each offering a wide array of colorful cocktails, cold brews, stellar wines and more. Tropical and refreshing or complex and ethereal, the spectacular creations prepared by Princess mixologists are celebrated by cocktail aficionados on cruises around the world. Explore a variety of refreshingly different tastes while watching a sunset or dancing to the latest tunes.

Outrigger (Pool) Bar

Calypso (Pool) Bar

Morgans Bar (Pirate View pool Area)

Explorers Lounge

Wheelhouse Bar

Crooners Bar

Taderwinds Bar

Club Fusion – Dancefloor and Karoke

Skywalkers Night Club

The Mix: A new vibrant bar on the Pool Deck

Churchill Lounge (Smoking Lounge & Sports Bar)

Piazza Atrium

The inviting piazza-style grand Atrium shines as the stunning centerpiece of each ship, the epicenter of luxury, excitement and fun. Stop by anytime, day or night, to find musicians, jugglers, acrobats, food carvers and a variety of other performers. Soaring multi-stories with a circular marble floor, stained-glass dome and magnificent floating staircase, the Italian-inspired Atrium is an ideal setting for relaxation, people-watching or simply having a cocktail or coffee with a friend.

Vines

Voted one of the “Best Wine Bars at Sea,” by USA TODAY and located in a charming corner of the Atrium, Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines, like Opus One, Super Tuscans, fine sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of wines by the glass. Gourmet delicacies, such as antipasti and tapas, are complimentary with any wine purchase. Charges apply

Enrichment

The Princess Theatre offers two shows each evening, that change daily. Offering Broadway at Sea with classics, popular hits original numbers.

Casino

The Grand Casino offers a wide variety of gaming machines and table games. The casino will not be open when in port.
Daily Tournaments are also held.

Movies under the Stars

Day time or Night time watch a feature film, concert or sports game on the Big Screen on the pool deck. Feast on complimentary popcorn or cookies and stay comfortable with fleece blankets in the evening.

Festivals at Sea

Festivals of the World hosts onboard events that celebrate timeless traditions from nearly every corner of the globe.* Parties and dancing, lively music and folkloric performances, enriching activities, themed movies and specialty shopping are just some of fun to be had! From Oktoberfest to Rio’s Carnival, Festivals of the World is a gala event you won’t want to miss.
*On select sailings.

Kids & Teens

Princess Cruises Children's Clubs and Teen Lounges ensure our all cruisers, young and old, stay happy all day long

The Treehouse (formerly Pelicans) : Ages 3-7 years

Go wild in the animal-themed Treehouse. With a range of activities including: art projects, protecting the wildlife and taking part in a Pirate night, your kids can huddle, create and discover all cruise long.

The Lodge (formerly Shockwaves): Ages 8-12 years

An outdoor based area, will engage minds and muscles. Build rockets, Scavenger hunts, miniatures Olympics and Mythbuster challenges are just some of the fun to be found.

The Beach House (formerly Remix): Ages 13-17 years

A contemporary surf-themed lounge, your teen will never want to leave. With plenty to do from video game tournaments, movie nights, dance classes and a VIP party they will keep busy or be happy to just hang.

Club 1820

A private secret society for 18-20 year olds - no parents, no siblings a secret handshake and code is required to enter

Babysitting

For your convenience, group kidsitting is offered in the Youth Centers. Kids can relax and watch movies or play games with their friends while mom and dad have a relaxing night out.

For children ages 3 to 12 years.

From 10:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Charge of $5.00 per hour per child.

Spas and Sauna

No detail has been spared at the Lotus Spa, making it one of the best spas on the high seas.

The Lotus Spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments, such as facials, aroma stone therapy massages, detoxifying ocean wraps and an aromatherapy thermal suite. Or get ready for a night on the town at the salon which features women’s styling color, men’s haircuts and shaves, manicure and pedicure choices and teeth whitening.

Also featuring the Adult Only Lap Pool, where you can swim against the current or relax in a hot tub.

Sanctuary

A luxurious Adult only retreat offers you the chance to completely unwind and relax.

Serenity Stewards will attend to your every need, from getting you drinks and meals to spraying you with Evian water atmizers.

Massages are available in in the two outdoor private cabanas.

Half-day passes for The Sanctuary are available for $20 per person, for 8 am to 12:30 pm or 1 pm to 5:30 pm or later. Guests choosing to indulge with an outdoor massage may also enjoy an hour’s use of The Sanctuary area after their treatment.

Ship info

Caribbean Princess is the Grand Daddy of the Princess fleet, with the largest carrying capacity. This ship's 900 balcony staterooms and an entire deck of Mini-Suites offer impressive private vistas. Hallmark features include Movies Under the Stars, the premier Lotus Spa and numerous formal and casual eating options, including the open-kitchen-style Cafe Caribe.

Vessel: Caribbean Princess

Year: 2004

Bars/Lounges: 10

Crew: 1200

Gross Tonnage: 112,894

Onboard Currency: USD

Passenger Capacity: 3,142

Refurbished: 2017

24-Hour Room Service

All Main Meals Included

Anytime Dining

Art Auctions

Chapel

Coin Operated Laundry

Dance Classes

Duty Free Shopping

Florist

Guest Entertainers

Internet Facilities

Jogging Track

Live Music

Photographer

Quiet Library

Security Safe in Cabin

Themed Party Nights

Decks

Caribbean Princess - Deck Plans

Cruise code: B014

7 nights

Western Caribbean Cruise

Departing from Fort Lauderdale

Caribbean Princess

Receive up to $400 air credit per stateroom. May not apply to all categories.

Frequently asked questions

Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.

All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.

Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.

The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.

One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.

NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.

The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.

There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.

The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.

IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.

Terms and conditions for this cruise

Frequently Asked Questions

Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.

Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.

Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.

When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.

Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.

Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.

Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.

NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.

Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.

Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.

When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.

Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.

If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.

Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.

The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.

Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.

Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.

The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.

Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.

However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.

These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.